Ruth Eleanore Buchholz, 98, of Iola, Wisconsin, passed away Saturday, May 26, at Iola Living Assistance.
Ruth was born in Iola, Wisconsin on November 10, 1919, daughter of the late Josephine (Dobbe) and Oscar C. Olson. Ruth married Elroy Olson in November of 1943. He died serving his country and received a Purple Heart and a Silver Star. Their daughter Patricia O’Neill (John) survives. In 1949, she married Harold Buchholz at the Hitterdahl Parsonage in Iola. He preceded her in death on September 5, 2011. They had four children, Christine Anthony (Victor), John Buchholz, Marie Meagher (Rodney) and Sarah Smith (Peter). Ruth was a graduate of Iola High School. She worked as a secretary for the Rural Electric Cooperative (REA) and the Wisconsin Power and Light in Iola. She was also employed for over 20 years at the Iola Scandinavia High School where she was known as “Mrs. B”. She was a longtime faithful member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and the American Legion Auxiliary. Ruth had great curiosity and loved to read, including her daily Bible readings. Until her eyesight failed, she enjoyed hardanger needle work, and knitting and quilting.
She is survived by her five children, nine grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, three sisters-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews. Ruth was preceded in death by husbands, Elroy Olson and Harold Buchholz; twin brothers: Willard and William Olson and twin brothers Leonard and Charles Olson.
The Funeral Service will be held at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Iola, Wisconsin, at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 2nd with Pastor Dale Wilson officiating. Visitation will be held Saturday 9-11 a.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. Interment will be in Our Savior’s Lutheran Cemetery Town of Scandinavia, Wisconsin. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Iola Living Assistance or the Iola Public Library.
A special Thank You to the staff at Iola Living Assistance for the loving care they gave Ruth.
Register Book and online condolences may be sent by visiting www.voiefuneralhome.com. Voie Funeral Home of Iola is assisting the family.